Pompano Opts For A Mayoral Election

November 6, 2002|By Lisa J. Huriash Staff Writer

POMPANO BEACH — Voters decided Tuesday that they will choose the mayor.

Voters approved a referendum that would mimic government in Fort Lauderdale, where the mayor has no more voting power than other commissioners, but is accountable to all voters through a citywide election.

Proponents have insisted that they want a greater say at City Hall by electing both a mayor and a district commissioner. Critics didn't want a commissioner eliminated since the number of commission districts will be reduced from five to four.

They also worried that if voters citywide chose the mayor, a black person would never hold the job.

Commissioners currently choose the mayor from among their own ranks.

City Attorney Gordon Linn said the re-districting would likely be in January.

The mayor's race is scheduled for March.

Two likely contenders will be current Mayor Bill Griffin, and activist Janice Griffin. The two are not related. The mayor's seat will be for a three-year term.

FOR THE RECORD - CORRECTION PUBLISHED THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2002An article on 7B of Wednesday's edition misstated the length of term of the Pompano Beach mayor under a referendum approved Tuesday. The mayor will be selected at large for the first time in 2003 and will serve for one year. Starting in 2004, mayors will be elected for three-year terms.